In 2021, Stearns & Company assembled a division-winning team with a below-average payroll. In 2022, the Brewers have above-average salary commitments ($105M) and nearly $46 million in arbitration estimates.
Thankfully, the 2022 Brewers find themselves with fewer roster gaps than they had in previous years. However, like this season’s postseason outcomes suggest, they could stand to upgrade or add depth just about everywhere but the starting rotation and middle infield.
With the typically below-average spending Brewers locked into above-average salary commitments and arbitration estimates, which free agents are they likely to return as Brewers in 2022, and who is probably moving on?